Uganda Trip #14 | Post 3 | The Grind
Today I finished my last teaching assignment for this unit. Tomorrow I will observe one our Lead Trainers in the morning session, get a ride (6-9 hours) depending on traffic. Then it’s off to Entebbe Airport, to Amsterdam, and God willing, land at MSP around noon on Saturday.
I don’t mean to complain, but this really is a grind. Last night I had my first decent night’s sleep, which means I’m adjusting to the new time zone. Problem is, When I land on Saturday, I’ll get to do so all over again. I teach 60% of the time and the other 40% I’m working to stay awake as I take notes giving feedback for our mentees, my body is saying you need a nap. It is a relief to be done teaching for this unit. It’s tiring…
But it’s all well worth it. It is such a privilege to serve in this manner. We continue to see the fruit of our efforts and our confidence that an Abiding Network of Gospel Centered, Bible Saturated, African Led Churches seems to be taking shape. Our nine Lead Trainers are moving toward significant leadership in pastor training with increased effectiveness as they share so many cultural insights that I lack. In all the right ways, they are forward to our last unit in September, when we toss them the keys and it’s all theirs. They are up to it. I’m tired, grateful, resolved.
We are fortunate to have solid accommodations here in northern Uganda, a five-minute walk from where we teach. We stay at a guest house with many fans (it has stayed under 85 degrees), wi-fi, and hot showers with good pressure. The kitchen table is my go-to place to study at 2 am, when I figure I met as well become more effective as a teacher than lay awake in bed. We have a cook who makes our dinners (all some variation of chicken). She makes enough that one night’s dinner is tomorrow’s lunch.
By the way…this unit of training is on understanding and communicating biblical prophecy, featuring the book of Isaiah. It has been by far the most difficult to understand, teach, and the feedback I get is that the trainees are sensing it as well. We have acknowledged our struggle and we’re all trying to do our best. Progress is being made, but it’s been tough sledding. I can’t wait till our September trip-Revelation! We’ll be looking at how to handle apocalyptic literature.
I will likely have one more post on Saturday, before gearing up for next week at FCC.